Employees often grappling with grief

Workplace can be welcome oasis for employees struggling with loss of loved one

By Melissa Mancini

03/12/2012|Canadian HR Reporter|Last Updated: 03/12/2012

Jackie Parker had been vice-president of professional services at Research in Motion (RIM) for a mere five months when tragedy struck her family — her son died.

“Shortly after I joined the organization, in quite a senior and visible role, I became known sort of less for why I was there and more for the loss of my son,” said Parker, who lives in Orton, Ont.

Parker’s son Dana was on a “dream vacation” with her younger son Morgan in Costa Rica. Both had just graduated from school and worked hard to save up money for their trip. Morgan returned to Canada earlier than his brother to start his job search while Dana stayed with friends.